People love tying their hopes to an underdog - one who seemingly has little chance at success, but shines anyway because of dogged determination and perseverance.

Underdogs - or overcomers - inspire us.

Take a look around the world of sports and who do you view as an overcomer?

Tiger Woods' success indicates he seems to have had a pretty easy go of life as a golfer. However, Woods' marital challenges and physical setbacks are only a fraction of what may have been his greatest challenge as a child, when he practiced daily for hours to overcome his stuttering. His mother and his dog, who sat patiently listening to him, helped him to the point where now there is no sign of stuttering.

Mountain-climbing enthusiasts probably know Aron Lee Ralston, but the mainstream sports fan would be hard-pressed to identify the young man who had his right hand crushed and pinned by a boulder against a canyon wall. After trying to free himself for five days, he ended up having to amputate his arm with a knife, scramble to safety and find help in time to save his life. How many of us would have the courage to fight through impending death? Ralston continues to follow his passion, and his lack of an arm won't stop him from doing what he loves.

Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver was raised as a homeless youngster living out of run-down vehicles. That didn't prevent him from becoming one of the all-time great Packers and an incredible giver to the communities he loves.

Nonathletic overcomers also pursue greatness.

President Franklin Roosevelt overcame what was believed to be polio. This paralysis caused him to struggle for much of his presidency, but he was very focused on exerting great effort to stand while giving speeches so he could give hope to the American people that he was improving.

Composer Ludwig van Beethoven continued creating extraordinary works of music even after becoming deaf and fighting through depression.

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in jail for his political views in South Africa. Even though he was imprisoned, he continued to fight for what was right and upon his release, eventually became president of South Africa.

Every one of us has obstacles that crop up in our lives. However, each and every one of us will choose to react to the challenges in different ways.

Will you be viewed like the following sayings?

■ Overcomers are like flowers. The more you crush them, the stronger and sweeter the fragrance.

■ Overcomers are like rubber balls. The harder you throw them down on the ground, the higher they rebound.

■ Overcomers are like tea bags. You have to put them in hot water to know how strong they are.

Those who have the determination to overcome are special people.

Whether in sports or the real world, overcomers are all around us. Will you choose to be an inspiration as an overcomer?